If you’ve read our most recent blog posts, you’re up to speed on the importance of brands integrating audio and video into their marketing mix. With many social media giants pushing short-form video content, brands need to take notice and follow suit.
Enter: Instagram Reels.
What is Instagram Reels?
Resembling TikTok, Reels are 15-30 second creative video clips that can – and Instagram encourages you to make – with their new suite of tools built into the app’s platform. Add captions, music, stickers, filters, camera effects and more for fun and engaging bite-sized content.
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Why Are So Many Brands Using Reels?
It’s no secret that Instagram’s algorithm favours video content, especially Reels.
The new feature currently takes up a prime piece of real estate in the centre of the app’s navigation bar. Users are also served relevant trending Reels on their Explore Page, giving them ample opportunities for engagement and discovery.
Marketers will tell you that if you have a user’s attention in the first 3 seconds, you’ve got ‘em – but not for long. That’s why keeping things short and sweet with bite-sized video clips is the best way to have them view your content from start to finish.
If your brand’s following is modest, that’s even more reason to be sharing short but engaging video clips. In fact, we’ve been experimenting with Reels for a client who’s working hard to grow their tight-knit community, and within the first hour of posting each Reel they’ve received over 1K views! More importantly, Reels have also helped our client create unique conversations with followers and actively showcased their niche expertise, motivating new users to hit the follow button.
Reels: a Budget-Friendly Way to Serve Up Video Content
And let’s not forget the cost.
Of course, you can spend the countless dollars if you’ve got them – but users are typically more forgiving with social media posts like Reels because of the type of content being served. Instagram offers enough features within its app to make each clip interesting without breaking the bank.
How Do You Know if Reels are Right for You?
There should always be a direct link between your content and the goal or objective you’re trying to reach.
Instagram hosts more than 200 million business accounts and is arguably at the forefront of making space for brands of all sizes, helping them promote awareness, sell their products and engage with their customers in new and exciting ways.
Instagram’s Shops, Stories and Reels are the often a successful way to tell your product or service’s story in an easy and accessible way to its audience of more than ONE BILLION users around the world. Paired with its low cost, there’s no reason brands shouldn’t be playing with Reels and finding ways to incorporate them into their marketing mix.
Tips for Getting Started with Instagram Reels
It’s a steep learning curve, but it can be loads of fun if you like exercising your creativity! With a little bit of practice and creative thinking, you’ll be well on your way to crushing the Reels game.
Here are some important tips to consider:
- Pay attention to trending sounds or music being used in popular videos. You’re more likely to catch the attention of viewers when content seems familiar.
- Include text bubbles. Most people will watch video with their sound off. Have text bubbles that allows them to follow the story – this is also important for accessibility, too.
- Make sure you film all content vertically. The proper dimensions for Reels are 1080 x 1920 pixels or a 9:16 ratio.
- Avoid using watermarked videos. To save time, some users might use recycle their TikToks or third-party videos and upload them as Reels. The algorithm may discover this and limit their reach.
Learn More About Integrating Reels into Your Strategy
Curious about how Reels can help build your brand and strengthen your marketing strategy? Connect with our team today to learn more – we’d love to help!
